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The Sadtu members were among those involved in ongoing protests related to education sector grievances in the province.
Mhaule and other department of education officials were in KwaZulu-Natal as part of the broader presidential imbizo, a national initiative to engage communities about local issues. Mhaule acknowledged the challenges faced by educators in the region.
“We know your problems. It’s not like it’s only known to you. We always tell you there is a serious problem in KwaZulu-Natal, but we are with you and we are going to speak on your behalf.”
Sadtu’s demands focus on issues including the full payment of financial allocations for schools under the norms and standards policy, pay progression for all teachers, an increase in the stipend for grade R practitioners and the full implementation of the Bela Act, which addresses the rights and conditions of education workers.
Mhaule called for calm and dialogue, urging teachers and stakeholders to work together constructively, particularly as the matric exams are under way.
TimesLIVE